Most of us have felt the “tug” to do something when we see ads or documentaries on children and families affected by the many aspects of third-world poverty. Going from that tug to participating in a third-world mission trip may seem like a bigger step than many of us can manage. However, if you would like to “do something” more than just send in a donation without taking such a large step, Mission Jamaica may be what you are seeking. Structured as a “vacation with a purpose,” the MJ team travels to Jamaica to build a very basic home (think tool shed with windows and sometimes a bathroom), provide some basic medical care (think urgent care and routine medical problem check-ups), and assistance with the many tasks that help an orphanage run (think everything from doing laundry to general building maintenance).
This work is embedded in a one-week stay that allows plenty of time to enjoy the many vacation activities that Jamaica has to offer, along with group time to process our experiences and their effect on our faith journey. The team stays at an all-inclusive resort on Montego Bay. We travel on safe, locally contracted buses to the work sites which are pre-screened for safety. Staff and local officials are always present to help manage the sites. At the end of the day, we return to the resort for some downtime, then gather for devotions and discussion, and then have the evening to enjoy dinner, a swim, or a walk along the beach. We spend three days at the work sites and the rest of the time you can enjoy all the other activities offered by the resort such as zip lining, river raft trips, visits to the hummingbird sanctuary, and even parasailing. The last day of our trip we have a group snorkeling trip to one of the local reefs.
In 2024 Zion will again be partnering with Word of Peace Lutheran Church. The dates of the trip have the group leaving on Saturday 2/24/24 and returning on Saturday 3/2/24. Transportation to and from Jamaica is on Sun Country and is a direct flight both ways. You will need a passport. The approximate trip cost is $2200-$2400 per person. If you are planning on being a mission team member you will need to reserve a spot by September 1, 2023 with an initial down payment of $150. Another payment of $550 would be due by September 15, 2023 with final payment due on October 15, 2023. Optional pre-trip cancellation available based on trip cost and age of traveler. Emergency health and evacuation insurance is included in the trip cost. If you are interested or have more questions, please contact the Zion church office at 763-682-1245 as soon as possible, as travelers will need to be registered by September 1st.
Come join the 2024 Mission Jamaica Mission Team. You will find the experience very rewarding.
